Buyers of documented vessels
We coordinate the transfer of ownership and review the vessel’s abstract of title so you know what you are taking on.
OUR SERVICES — 02
USCG documentation, handled with care.
Initial documentation, transfers of ownership, renewals, mortgage coordination, and satisfactions of mortgage — coordinated with the U.S. Coast Guard’s National Vessel Documentation Center.
Sellers
We prepare the transfer documents and coordinate any mortgage satisfaction so the vessel leaves your name cleanly.
Owners financing a purchase
We coordinate Preferred Ship Mortgage preparation and recording with your lender and the Coast Guard.
SCOPE
What this service covers.
- Initial USCG documentation for eligible vessels
- Transfers of ownership for documented vessels
- Documentation renewals
- Preferred Ship Mortgage preparation and recording coordination
- Satisfactions of mortgage and lien releases tracked through to filing
- Abstracts of title and ownership verification
BEFORE WE BEGIN
What to prepare.
Vessel identifiers
The official number if the vessel is documented, the hull identification number, and current registration details.
Ownership documents
The chain of bills of sale and any existing abstract of title, where available.
Party information
Ownership and citizenship or entity details needed to confirm documentation eligibility.
Mortgage details
Your lender’s details, if a new mortgage will be recorded or an existing one satisfied.
HOW IT MOVES
The steps, kept clear.
Tell us about your transaction
Share a few details about yourself and your vessel. You don’t need to have all the answers to begin.
We chart the next steps
We review your inquiry, confirm eligibility and requirements for your vessel, and outline the documents and next steps.
Move toward your handover
We coordinate the agreed documentation work with the Coast Guard and the parties involved, keeping you informed throughout.
TIMING & COST
What shapes the schedule.
- Federal documentation is administered by the U.S. Coast Guard’s National Vessel Documentation Center, and its processing times vary and are outside any closing service’s control.
- Documentation is generally available to vessels of at least five net tons that are wholly owned by U.S. citizens (46 CFR § 67.5); the Coast Guard’s National Vessel Documentation Center publishes the full requirements. Eligibility and the required forms depend on your situation — we confirm the details for your vessel.
- Some USCG forms require a Social Security or tax identification number. We never collect these through the website — our team collects them with you directly through a secure follow-up.
Scope and cost depend on the vessel and the work involved. Your quote will distinguish our service fees from any applicable government or registry charges. After reviewing your inquiry, we discuss the services and fees before any work begins.
What is the difference between USCG documentation and state registration?
Federal documentation is a national form of vessel registration administered by the Coast Guard, while state registration and titling are handled by the state. Our guide explains the difference and when each applies.
Does my vessel have to be documented to be sold?
Not necessarily. Whether documentation is required or worthwhile depends on the vessel, its use, and the buyer’s plans. We can discuss the right path for your transaction.
How do you handle Social Security numbers?
Some USCG forms require them, but we never collect them through this website. If your closing needs one, our team collects it with you directly through a secure follow-up.
What is an abstract of title?
An abstract of title is the Coast Guard’s record of a documented vessel’s ownership and lien history. We obtain and review it as part of our lien and title research.